Transdermal Liposuction: What Is It?

Transdermal Liposuction: What Is It?

Transdermal Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (TUAL)

Liposuction with no incisions, no injections and no recovery? If it sounds too good to be true, it may be, yet that is what transdermal liposuction promises.

How it Works

In this single-step process, ultrasonic energy is applied directly to the skin without the need for incisions or injection of any liquid or “wet” solution such as that used in tumescent liposuction. Transdermal liposuction uses focused ultrasound technology to emit energy which disrupts your fatty tissue. The device concentrates energy at the depth of subcutaneous fat, disrupting the fat cells. The body removes the ruptured tissue over a period of time after the ultrasound application.

What to Expect

Transdermal liposuction removes less volume than the average liposuction procedure. While circumference measurements are more accurate, early results indicate that transdermal liposuction may only treat small volumes of fatty tissue. The maximum amount of fatty tissue to be extracted may only be about 300cc’s per treatment. Traditional forms of liposuction such as laser-assisted liposuction, ultrasound assisted liposuction and tumescent liposuction can remove far greater volumes in a single treatment. Many transdermal liposuction patients have to wait several months to see the results from just one treatment.

Status

Though not currently available in the US, TUAL is making headlines internationally. To date, 2 manufacturers of transdermal liposuction devices have received Health Canada approval.

Should I Look For Transdermal Liposuction

First, you can’t get it in the US right now, at least not legally. Second, it may only be appropriate in a small percentage of cases. If the word coming out about the treatment volumes is accurate, then it will only work on relatively small fatty deposits. This could mean that it might work for something like abdominal etching, but it certainly won’t take the place of traditional liposuction or tummy tuck anytime soon.